“An educated consumer is the best customer any retail store stands to gain,” says Harpointner. “Consumers are now going online and stores that haven’t fully embraced that concept and the internet are gravely mistaken. Once consumers learn how to use the internet to their advantage and discover its easy and effective they aren’t going to un-learn it. “

“This back-to-school season as well as holiday season will be all about finding the best deal,” asserts Thomas Harpointner. “Expect free shipping from companies — that will remain a top priority this holiday season. Retailers should offer extended return policies; by doing so, it serves as a great strategy to get consumers to buy early and as the holidays inch closer to get them to continue to buy.”